Determinants of the Nutritional Status of Children in Amhara Region: The Case of Misrak Gojjam and Semen Wello Zones
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Date
2000-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Child malnutrition has been a serious and widespread problem of Semen Wello and
Misrak Gojjam Zones. Using data from 1998 Health, Nutrition and Welfare monitoring
survey conducted by Central Statistical Authority (CSA), this study estimates the levels of
child malnutrition and identifies the diJferent factors associated with chronic
malnutrition among children in Misrak Gojjam and Semen Wel/o Zones of Amhara
region. A total of 457 children from Misrak Gojjam and 549 from Semen Wel/o Zones
aged 3-59 months were included in this study. Both descriptive and inferential techniques
were used to analyze the data. The univariate analysis is lIsed to see the percentage share
of background variables while the bivariate and multivariate analysis were employed to
examine the diJferentials and risk factors of malnutrition. The findings indicate the level
of malnutrition is very high in each Zones. Where 67 percent, 8.9 percent and 58.3
percent of children in Misrak Gojjam Zone were stunted, wasted and underweight,
respectively, while in Semen Wel/o Zone 68.9 percent, 9. a percent and 57.5 percent of
children are stunted, wasted and undenveight, respectively.
The bivariate analysis using chi-square test showed the existence of association between
explanatory variables and chronic malnutrition. The multivariate results using logistic
regression revealed that aI/ the socioeconomic, demographic, child care and
environmental factors are responsible in affecting chronic malnutrition both in Misrak
Gojjam and Semen Wel/o Zones.
Final/y, improvement in household incomes and access to foodfor the poor, education in
appropriate feeding practices and also expanssion of family planning programs for
spacing and limiting the number of children are among the recommendations of the
study.
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Nutritional Status of Children